LIVERPOOL 2-1 Tottenham

Liverpool progress in the English League Cup as Spurs could do no better than the 1-1 draw they’d achieved against Liverpool earlier this season, this time being defeated.

Klopp chose some youngsters and not so regular players for this cup game, even though we were facing a strong Premier League side. Karius would not start as has been doing for the last few fixtures, it was quite refreshing to see Mignolet back in the starting 11.

Simon Mignolet started for Liverpool against Spurs in the League Cup

Wijnaldum was more than a substitute for this fixture, he’d made a brief appearance just shortly after returning from injury in the last game and now he got to start. A couple of debut appearances from Alexander and Ejaria, we’ve seen Ejaria before but only as substitute – this was his “full” debut. Alberto Moreno would get the left back spot he’s missed out on due to James Milner making quite an impact on games from that position this season. Marko Grujic got to show his skills in midfield, Lucas would captain the side and Origi and Sturridge would be the striking force at the front of our attacking lineup. So, quite a varied squad selection from what we’ve been used to in Premier League fixtures.

Lucas was the captain for this cup game

Liverpool fans headed back to Anfield for the 3rd time in the last 3 fixtures and it would be less than 10 minutes before the home fans would get to celebrate a goal, so I hope you didn’t turn up 10 minutes late.

Daniel Sturridge has been under-performing recently, making very little impact in the Manchester United goalless game and being relegated to unused substitute in the West Brom game Liverpool won without needing to use him at all. However, he was quick to make his mark on this game and was the player to give us our lead on the 9th minute. Liverpool 1-0 Spurs

Wijnaldum and Origi both linked up well with Sturridge throughout this whole game and their joint connection in the attack was dangerous. We looked likely to score on many occasions that these players were involved and on the attack.

Surprisingly, Liverpool were only winning 1-0 by half time. With all the wonderful attacking going on and a goal scored early on, it looked like a second would be on the way before the break but just didn’t happen. Spurs goalkeeper (Michel Vorm) probably deserves a little credit for not letting his side concede a lot.

Vorm would only concede once in the first half

Mignolet saves a shot from Jannsen in the 1st half

Down the other end of the pitch, Mignolet only really had to keep Jannsen from scoring as our defence were doing well enough to keep Spurs attackers away most of the time when Liverpool weren’t in possession or making their push forwards towards our opponents goal.

So, Liverpool led by a single goal at the half time break.

Perhaps Liverpool were lucky an equaliser hadn’t been found yet and we seemed to be motivated towards not repeating the 1-1 draw which both teams had gotten when they faced each other last. That wouldn’t have been acceptable this time around, with the cup games being decided by penalties if drawn. A winner must be named and Liverpool really pushed hard to become that winner. Within 20 minutes of the 2nd half, our second goal was scored.

Divock Origi worked well with Sturridge to provide an assist for his English teammate and Liverpool had doubled their lead. Tottenham would have no reply until the 76th minute, when Liverpool captain Lucas unfortunately conceded a penalty. Jannsen would take and score the penalty and Liverpool would spend the next quarter of an hour worrying about an equaliser but it would never happen, Liverpool had done enough to claim their win and move on to the English League Cup Quarter Finals. The next round could potentially see us face any of these already qualified teams: Arsenal, Hull, Norwich, Newcastle. 6 other teams have yet to play in the 4th round but 3 other sides will be added to the Quarter Final draw after their fixtures are played.

Man Of The Match

I’m happy to announce a return to good form for Daniel Sturridge, who scored twice and very almost had himself a hat trick, only to be denied by the crossbar late in the 2nd half. His two goals and wonderful performance which practically qualified Liverpool to the League Cup Quarter Finals on the efforts of him alone still make Sturridge Man Of The Match.

What’s Next?

Liverpool will now have an away fixture after spending the last 3 fixtures at Anfield. I was hoping for a 4th one, too! It had to change eventually.

Walk On with hope in your hearts, Anfield Family. You’ll Never Walk Alone.

[written by] Stuart Drewery.

I’m an Englishman (born and raised in Liverpool in the 80s). My whole family including my parents and grandparents were Liverpool fans so I was born into being a red.

I’ve seen Liverpool win the league (more than 25 years ago) and I’ve been 100% loyal and committed while supporting the Reds through all the good times AND the bad times since the 80s.